, john kerry with bush, it helps elevate them. there were times it didn't, bob dole first time didn't help him. >> that's a special case, hard to be on stage with president clinton have that turn out well, he is particularly uniquely capable of drawing in an audience. >> people thought that of reagan, he had a bad first outing. >> rag had eagan had an age thi. clinton is extraordinary. i think debates are so different at this moment in a campaign. we have folks calling this campaign the early voting has started, the sense that this is, you know, still sort of a meaningful contribution is up for grabs. >> mike, watching one of the things we've seen, something the polsters warned about, fewer and fewer folks claim the debates are as decisive for them. >> i think they will be. you still have a small undecided. that's what makes the difference. >> they watch, right? that's the hope, you want to be sure they watch. >> yes, i think both sides want that. ratings will be good for the debates, it is a great opportunity, in terms of expectation setting, they're excellent. wouldn't be at this
